(Japan) Call 0120 086230

(Italy) Call 800 822 005

property overview

As the first hotel on Crete’s northeast coast, this resort has long been considered one of Greece's finest.

As the first hotel on Crete’s northeast coast, this resort is considered one of Greece's finest. The property includes several mini-resort-like clusters, like the Yachting Club, whose state-of-the-art bungalows have electric sliding glass doors and retractable television screens, and the Ambassador’s Bungalows, with private gyms. There are also multi-room villa options for families. There's a supervised kid's program and playground for children, as well as a wealth of water sports and movie screenings in an open-air theater for teens. Adults can enjoy the peace and quiet of acclaimed spa Espace Vitalité Chenot or a quiet meal at one of nine world-class restaurants. Crete's cultural offerings are nearby but many guests hardly leave the property after entering the oasis of this exclusive resort.
View Event Venues Information

Awards & Accolades

We Recommend

Best Cultural Secret

Panagia Faneromeni Monastery

Built into the side of a cliff, this stone monastery offers breathtaking views of Mirabello bay below. Gournia. (30-28) 4-102-4444.

Top Architecture Find

Panagia Kera Church

A three-nave church from the 13th and 14th centuries, Panagia Kera contains impressive Byzantine frescoes typical of the Cretan school. Kritsa; (30-28) 4-105-1525.

What to Skip

Renting a Motorbike

The roads just aren’t suitable for vehicles other than cars.

Top Day Trip

Santorini

The Cycladic island is a two-hour hydrofoil ride from Heraklion, but short helicopter excursions can be arranged as well.

Best Activity/Excursion

Spinalonga Island

This wild, intriguing islet was once both a Venetian fortress and a leper colony; today it’s a popular tourist attraction that has been featured in literature and on television.

Best Family Activity

The Cretaquariuam

This aquarium has hundreds of marine species on view, exhibits in collaboration with top international natural history museums and special activities for kids. Gournies, Heraklion; (30-28) 1-033-7788; www.cretaquarium.gr.

Reading Suggestion

"The Island" by Victoria Hislop

Victoria Hislop’s atmospheric novel—an epic family drama—takes place in the seaside village of Plaka and on the isle of Spinalonga during the time when it was an active leper colony.

Best City Secret

The Sunken City of Olous

Just off the Elounda causeway lies a sunken Roman city; the mosaic floor of an ancient villa is visible on shore, beside the canal.